Poker is a game that can be both a true test of a person’s character, or, it can be simply a fun game played with friends. It is very democratic – literally, anyone can get involved and play and it is up to each individual how far they wish to take it. From nights in the back room with friends playing for chips, all the way up to the World Series where millions of dollars are at stake. It can be tricky and slightly intimidating for new players wishing to get involved in poker so we have put together a short guide that will have you up and playing in no time.

The Theory

The first step is to learn the rules thoroughly. This may seem obvious but there is a galaxy of different poker variations so, to begin with, it pays to choose one and stick with it. Texas Hold’em is a good place to start as it is the most popular poker format and there is a ton of resources for learning the rules and picking tips to start forming your own strategies.

The Practice

Once you have got a solid understanding of the rules, hand rankings, maybe watched a few games, then it is time to take the plunge and dive into a game. Best advice at this stage is to start small and build up as your confidence grows. Play games with your family and friends; maybe start up a poker night at your house – for fun and not real money. There are a number of apps you can download that allow you to play poker for pretend chips so are risk-free. If you do decide you are ready and want to try your hand at playing for real money then the number one rule is to pick a realistic budget and absolutely stick to it.